Labour Law and Workers' Rights in Uganda's Informal Economy: A Qualitative Exploration

Labour law in Uganda is a complex area that has not been extensively studied, particularly within the informal economy where many workers are not formally employed but still require legal protections. Qualitative research methods were employed including semi-structured interviews with informal economy workers and key informants from government agencies responsible for labour law enforcement. Interviews revealed that while formal labour laws exist, their implementation is often lacking in the informal sector, leading to significant gaps in worker protections. For example, only 30% of respondents reported receiving regular wage payments. The study underscores the need for more comprehensive enforcement and awareness programmes targeting the informal economy in Uganda. Government agencies should prioritise training for labour inspectors on identifying violations within the informal sector and advocating for legal reforms to better protect workers' rights.